Chemotherapy after lumpectomy

Hi I’m going ahead with chemotherapy as recommended.

I had mastectomy and one sentinel node positive. ER/PR 8 and HER+
It will hopefully improve my chances of reoccurrence.

I figure I’ll take whatever is offered, hope this helps. 

Thanks jax007, it does.  Good look with your treatment.  xx

Hi, I understand the dilemma.  

I’m also ER+ PR+ HER- Stage 2 Grade 3 with lumpectomy and therapeutic mammoplasty.  I was node negative so sent for Oncotype testing.  Before I got the result, I was hoping for a low score to avoid chemo, but knew that a score above about 15 would need careful thinking about - in the end my mind was going towards having chemo as it’s only a few months and gives me the best chance of not having reoccurrence.  I would kick myself in the future if it did reoccur and I hadn’t taken all the treatment on offer at this stage.

My Onco score actually came back as 50, so chemo was a definite recommendation.  I have my first session booked for 02 Oct.

You’re welcome. Good luck with everything and sending hugs  

Thanks Ona, you've really helped.  Good luck with the treatment, I'm just waiting for a date for mine to start. 

Hi Auntflo, it is an awkward position to be in. I was triple positive so chemo wasn’t an option. Chemo will help to kill off any cancer cells that may have broken away from your original tumour, so although the cancer has been removed there could be a chance of some small cells still floating around. Whilst you have been advised 5% benefit, added to all the other percentages with having the additional treatments it all mounts up to help towards preventing reoccurrence. Whilst chemo can have its downfalls of side effects, everyone is very different on how it affects them. Some seem to have none, some have a very few and some have more. It’s not something anyone can predict. You have to go for what you feel is best and what you feel will give you the best chance at beating this and avoiding reoccurrence. Chemo whilst it can be hard at times it is doable and doseages can be adjusted to help with any side effects that may come along. 
If you click on my name you can read about my journey so far. 
Wishing you all the best with whatever option you go for. 
Hugs from cuffcake x x x x x

Hi Auntie Flo

I also had er + her - stage 2 grade 3 one lymph node affected. After my  lumpectomy I was offered the optima trial where 50 per cent of patients are randomly assigned to  chemo and 50 per cent have their tumour analysed to see if chemotherapy is needed. I knew I wanted to have the maximum treatment available  as i would worry more about recurrence  I didn't - it is very much a personal choice sbout how you think you might feel . I therefore did not enter the trial and had chemotherapy. I was very fortunate in that I had minimal side effects. I then had radiotherapy. 

 I am now taking letrozole and Abemaciclib and luckily again have manageable side effects. 

I wish you the best in  making your decision. 

Lizzie x

Sorry I accidently deleted a bit  which said I didn't enter the optima trial. 

hi auntflo, i am in the same boat came back at 32 or 35 not sure i decided its not worth remembering, husband said yes you must because i want you around for as long as possible. so I am halfway through the chemo now, not going to say its easy, but am hoping it means more years clear (hugs) 

roll on Nov 8 then radio in december 

know its hard decision plus f1petrolhead is too sensible for words gave advice when i asked same question

Thank you cuffcake, appreciate you getting back to me.